Subaru 360

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_360

One of the stranger project cars in the Houseman street Garage. 

The Subaru 360 had a 356cc engine apparently rated for 25hp,  and the one Dad bought was siezed up. Probably bought for a pittance at the police auction?

My Memory:

My only memory of this was a a project car in the carage. I recall he had tried a few things to fix it and even solicited unpaid advice from mechanics. I don't recall it ever running.

AI Summary

Ah, the **Subaru 360**—a quirky little gem from Japan’s automotive history! 🇯🇵

### 🚗 Quick Overview

- **Produced:** 1958–1971

- **Engine:** 356 cc, 2-stroke, 2-cylinder

- **Layout:** Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive

- **Nickname:** “Ladybug” in Japan

- **Weight:** Just around 900 lbs (410 kg)

- **Body Styles:** 2-door sedan, convertible (with roll-back roof), and station wagon (“Custom”)

### 🛠️ Design Highlights

- Suicide doors (rear-hinged)

- Fiberglass roof panel

- Monocoque construction (pretty advanced for its time)

- Early models required premixing oil and gas, though later versions had an automatic mixing system

### 🇺🇸 American Adventure

Subaru tried to break into the U.S. market with the 360 in the late '60s. It was imported by Malcolm Bricklin and marketed as “Cheap and Ugly Does It.” Unfortunately, it didn’t quite resonate with American buyers—Consumer Reports even labeled it “Not Acceptable,” which didn’t help sales.

### 🏁 Fun Fact

Despite its modest 25-horsepower engine, the 360 had a certain charm and simplicity that made it a cult classic. Nearly 400,000 units were produced, and today, it’s a sought-after collectible for microcar enthusiasts.

Would you like to dive into its role in Japan’s post-war recovery or maybe explore how it compares to other microcars of the era?

80's Red Mercury Capri

 Saw this interior shot on the web that brought back the memories.

80ish Mercury Capri, 4 Cyl Automatic

My Memory:

I think this was the car that Mom Jane picked out for herself while Dad was in Africa?

The flashback was my first ticket. Worked a long shift at Plainfield Meijer bottle return,  and got the ticket from an officer coming out of Fred's Pizza. He said I was doing 55 but he would only write me up for 54.

I could almost swear that there is no way that car could have gotten up to that speed in that short of a distance. She looked pretty,  but that 4 auto was really slow to accelerate.

I also think I had my first date in that car. Brought along my cassette player. Went to Peaches. She got out of the car before it came to a complete stop.

74 Ford Granda

74 Ford Granada 4 Door

Jane Creswell's car. She picked it out, and liked it, drove it to her job as a teacher's aide, until one day she was driving with me to school, and we were in an accident.

It was replaced by The Ford Granada Sport 2 door 3 speed, picked out by Dad.

Picture is Jane, trip to Colorado in 1975